What was Edwin Hubble's academic major (or degree) from the University of Chicago?

Edwin Hubble’s academic focus at the University of Chicago was mathematics and astronomy. His undergraduate studies also included philosophy, but mathematics and astronomy were the central subjects associated with his Bachelor of Science degree, awarded in 1910.

Hubble studied at Chicago during an era when astronomy was closely connected with mathematics and physics. He also worked as a laboratory assistant for physicist Robert Millikan, who later won the Nobel Prize in Physics. That experience gave Hubble valuable exposure to experimental science before he turned fully toward astronomy.

After completing his undergraduate education, Hubble accepted a Rhodes Scholarship and went to Queen’s College, Oxford. At his father’s request, he studied jurisprudence rather than science there, although he later resumed his scientific path. He eventually earned a PhD in astronomy from the University of Chicago’s Yerkes Observatory in 1921.

A common mix-up is to answer “physics,” because Hubble worked alongside physicists and used physics extensively. However, his University of Chicago studies are specifically described as concentrating on mathematics, astronomy, and philosophy.